Massage can bring a tremendous feeling of wellbeing to the pregnant woman, and can calm both mother and unborn baby. Use either the abdominal or lower back sequence on its own, or combine the two to make a longer massage.

In this leg massage, a useful variation on kneading is showed, using the heel of one hand to relax calf muscles, as well as an important new technique – frictions.

Massaging the head and scalp has many benefits, from easing tension headaches to improving scalp condition and hair growth. Here, we look at techniques for easing scalp tension.

A good massage involves understanding why certain strokes are used on different parts of the body. With this sequence you will be developing your sensitivity to an especially vulnerable area by comparing the pressure applied to the shoulders to that used on the abdomen.

Compresses are still very much part of home treatments, just as they have been for hundreds of years. Use a compress as a first aid measure, or to ease certain long-term ailments.

Find out how leg massage can relieve aching tiredness and muscular tiredness by gradually working deeper into tense muscle areas.

This relaxing back massage explains three of the five basic techniques used in most forms of massage – stroking, kneading and pressures.

The second feature on effluerage we bring in more strokes using two hands, and prepare the muscles for deeper strokes.

Learn about the most widely used massage technique – effleurage, which simply means stroking.